The 50 best mechanical engineering master's programs, ranked
- 1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, MA
SM in Mechanical Engineering
The thesis-first MS that funnels straight into the MIT research economy.
Thesis-only SM under a single faculty advisor; six 12-unit subjects plus a research thesis that is the centerpiece of the degree. Concentrations span robotics, ocean engineering, biomechanics, and advanced manufacturing through labs like the Media Lab, d'Arbeloff Lab, and Center for Bits and Atoms.
Visit program pageTuition: $61,990/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 45% 10 - 2
Stanford University · Stanford, CA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Silicon Valley's mechanical engineering on-ramp, on campus or online.
Course-based 45-unit MS with deep flexibility across automotive, biomechanical, mechatronics, and energy tracks; thesis optional. Same degree available part-time online for working engineers through Stanford Online.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1500
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
88
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 1015% 1010% 710% 810% 75% 10 - 3
UC Berkeley · Berkeley, CA
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Mechanical Engineering
Cal's 12-month engineering-plus-leadership degree built with the Fung Institute.
One-year professional MEng with a capstone team project and a leadership curriculum through the Fung Institute. Concentration tracks include controls, energy, design, fluids, and product design.
Visit program pageTuition: $59,000/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 45% 10 - 4
Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, GA
MS in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
US News-ranked Woodruff School MSME with thesis or coursework paths.
30-credit MSME with thesis (21 coursework + 9 thesis) or non-thesis paths. Research clusters span acoustics, robotics, manufacturing, and bioengineering inside the Woodruff School.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,500/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
87
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 85% 10 - 5
Georgia Tech (Online MSME)
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Online)
The Woodruff School MSME, asynchronous and at a fraction of on-campus cost.
Same Woodruff School degree delivered fully online through Georgia Tech Professional Education. 30 credits, non-thesis, course-by-course pacing for working engineers; instruction by the same on-campus research faculty.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1159
Length: 24 months
Format: online
Overall
90
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 1015% 1010% 710% 1010% 75% 10 - 6
University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, MI
Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Mechanical Engineering
Michigan Engineering's three-flavor MSE with the SUGS accelerator.
Three MSE tracks - coursework only, coursework + research project, or thesis - all 30 credits. Research strengths in automotive, robotics, dynamics, and energy. The Sequential Undergraduate Graduate Studies (SUGS) pathway lets U-M undergrads finish the MSE in one extra year.
Visit program pageTuition: $28,500/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 65% 10 - 7
Purdue University · West Lafayette, IN
MS in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Boilermaker engineering with industry-grade research labs.
Research-driven 30-credit MSME with thesis option, 12 research areas including aerospace, manufacturing, propulsion, and Maurice J. Zucrow combustion labs. Deep ties to Caterpillar, Cummins, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce.
Visit program pageTuition: $10,300/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
85
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 85% 10 - 8
Purdue University (Online MSME)
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Online)
The Purdue MSME delivered online by the country's top-ranked online engineering school.
US News #1-ranked online graduate engineering program for six years running. 30 credits, fully online, with at least 15 ME credits plus 6 math. Same degree, same faculty, no online notation on the diploma.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1200
Length: 12 months
Format: online
Overall
88
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 1010% 710% 1010% 75% 10 - 9
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana, IL
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A top-3 online MSE option that matches the on-campus diploma exactly.
Thesis (with faculty advisor) or non-thesis MS through the Mechanical Science & Engineering department. Online variant ranked #3 nationally; same diploma as on-campus.
Visit program pageTuition: $19,900/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
87
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 1010% 710% 810% 85% 10 - 10
Cornell University · Ithaca, NY
MEng in Mechanical Engineering
The Sibley School's one-year MEng with a part-time distance track.
One-year professional MEng through the Sibley School with specializations in robotics, spacecraft, energy, biomechanics, and engineered materials. Distance learning variant lets working engineers complete part-time.
Visit program pageTuition: $59,500/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 1010% 710% 810% 45% 10 - 11
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Four flavors of CMU MechE - including an AI Engineering specialization.
Choose course-based MS (2 semesters), Advanced Study MS (3 semesters with a technical concentration), Research MS (4 semesters thesis), or MS in AI Engineering - Mechanical Engineering.
Visit program pageTuition: $26,000/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 810% 710% 610% 65% 8 - 12
Princeton University · Princeton, NJ
MSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
A small, thesis-first MSE inside one of the most selective MAE departments in the country.
Research-focused MSE requires eight graded courses plus a master's thesis. Smaller, faculty-mentored MAE department; signature labs in plasma physics, combustion, and dynamical control.
Visit program pageTuition: $62,400/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
77
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 810% 710% 610% 45% 8 - 13
University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, PA
MSE in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
Ivy MEAM master's with a clear path into Penn's GRASP robotics lab.
10-course MSE in MEAM with two semesters of research seminar; concentrations in robotics, MEMS, biomechanics, heat transfer, and mechanics of materials. Strong faculty pipeline into the GRASP robotics lab.
Visit program pageTuition: $45,400/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
77
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 810% 710% 610% 45% 8 - 14
UCLA · Los Angeles, CA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
UCLA MAE master's with an MSOL online sibling for working engineers.
Nine courses (36 units) with five at the MAE 200 level, capped by a comprehensive exam. Online MS in Engineering with mechanical concentration available through UCLA MSOL for working professionals.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,100/yr
Length: 21 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 810% 710% 810% 85% 8 - 15
USC Viterbi · Los Angeles, CA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
The DEN@Viterbi MSME - the same USC degree, fully online, no residency.
27-unit MSME with concentrations in Thermal/Fluid Sciences, Engineering Design, Mechanics & Materials, plus specialized tracks in AI/ML and Quantitative Medical Engineering. Identical degree on-campus or fully online through DEN@Viterbi; 94% recommendation rate among online students.
Visit program pagePer credit: $2479
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
82
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 915% 810% 710% 810% 75% 8 - 16
Texas A&M University · College Station, TX
MS in Mechanical Engineering (thesis or non-thesis)
Walker '66 ME's flexible MS with an online MEng sibling for working engineers.
30-credit MS available in thesis and non-thesis tracks; non-thesis can finish in one calendar year. Separate 30-credit MEng available online.
Visit program pageTuition: $9,300/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
81
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 810% 105% 8 - 17
UT Austin · Austin, TX
MSE in Mechanical Engineering
The Walker Department's flexible MSE plus an executive online option in one of the country's fastest-growing engineering hubs.
Thesis (30 hours), report (33 hours), MDSE concentration (36 hours), or coursework-only (36 hours). Walker Department of ME also offers a fully online MSME through Texas Engineering Executive Education.
Visit program pageTuition: $11,500/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 810% 85% 8 - 18
Virginia Tech · Blacksburg, VA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Hokies engineering with one of the country's strongest HVAC&R research benches.
40+ MS awarded annually; thesis option requires 21 technical credits + research, non-thesis 24 credits coursework. Research strengths in autonomous vehicles, smart structures, energy, and HVAC&R through CASE and other named centers.
Visit program pageTuition: $16,800/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 810% 85% 8 - 19
Penn State (University Park) · University Park, PA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Nittany Lion ME with the Applied Research Lab as your back yard.
Research-track MSME with thesis under a faculty advisor in the College of Engineering. Department of Mechanical Engineering houses centers in turbomachinery, acoustics, and energy. Tight integration with the Applied Research Lab for defense and Navy projects.
Visit program pageTuition: $25,000/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
75
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 65% 8 - 20
Penn State World Campus
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Online)
The #3-ranked online MSME, fully asynchronous, identical to resident.
Identical 32-credit MSME to the resident program, ranked #3 by US News among online MSME options. Covers heat transfer, fluid mechanics, turbomachinery, controls, solid mechanics, optimization. Asynchronous courses; same graduate faculty as on-campus.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1055
Length: 24 months
Format: online
Overall
80
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 1010% 75% 8 - 21
Johns Hopkins University (Engineering for Professionals)
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Online)
The Hopkins EP online MSME built for working engineers, with APL on staff.
Ranked #2 by US News among online MSME programs. 10-course master's with focus areas in Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Biomechanics, Fluid & Thermal Mechanics, Hypersonic Technologies, and Ocean Engineering. Instructors are senior engineers from APL and industry.
Visit program pageLength: 24 months
Format: online
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 1010% 65% 8 - 22
North Carolina State University · Raleigh, NC
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A 30-credit MSME with the Research Triangle next door, on-campus or fully online.
30-credit MSME, both thesis and non-thesis, on-campus or online with no residency. Research strengths in HVAC, controls, advanced manufacturing, and biomechatronics.
Visit program pageTuition: $10,400/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 810% 85% 8 - 23
University of Washington · Seattle, WA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Seattle's UW MSME, with an online option that mirrors the on-campus degree.
Online MSME through UW Professional & Continuing Education; same degree as on-campus, students can start any quarter. Coursework spans fluid mechanics, advanced energy, dynamics & controls, composites, biomedical.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1025
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
78
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 810% 75% 8 - 24
University of Maryland · College Park, MD
MS in Mechanical Engineering (thesis)
A thesis-first 30-credit MS inside one of the East Coast's deepest ME research benches.
Thesis-required 30-credit MS (24 coursework + 6 thesis research). Six technical divisions: design & manufacturing, dynamics & controls, energy, environment, fluid & thermal, mechanics & materials.
Visit program pageTuition: $14,400/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
77
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 85% 8 - 25
Ohio State University · Columbus, OH
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Research Track)
OSU's research-track MS with CAR and the Aerospace Research Center as draws.
Research-track MS with thesis is the funded path; MS-non-thesis available but self-funded. MAE houses the Center for Automotive Research and the Aerospace Research Center.
Visit program pageTuition: $13,200/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
77
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 85% 8 - 26
Caltech · Pasadena, CA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A Caltech MS that's effectively a PhD on-ramp, with JPL across the street.
138-unit MS through the Mechanical & Civil Engineering department; typically earned in route to the PhD - terminal-MS-only admission is rare. Tight integration with JPL.
Visit program pageTuition: $60,800/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 45% 8 - 27
Rice University · Houston, TX
Master of Mechanical Engineering (MME)
Rice's industry-ready MME with a Houston pipeline into energy and med devices.
Non-thesis professional MME with specializations in Aerospace, Energy, Biomedical, and Robotics. Two-semester capstone project (MECH 601/602) or independent research.
Visit program pageTuition: $54,000/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 45% 8 - 28
Columbia University · New York, NY
MS in Mechanical Engineering
An Ivy 30-credit MS with a robotics-and-controls bench in midtown Manhattan.
30-credit MS with concentrations in Biomechanics, Energy Systems, Micro/Nanoscale Engineering, and Robotics & Control. Bridge program available for non-ME undergrads.
Visit program pagePer credit: $2374
Length: 12 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
75
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 610% 710% 810% 75% 8 - 29
Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Vandy ME built around medical robotics and combustion research.
30 didactic credits, or 24 credits + 6 research, with research strengths in prosthetics, biomechanics, robotics, medical device design, microfluidics, and combustion.
Visit program pagePer credit: $2389
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
73
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 75% 8 - 30
University of Minnesota Twin Cities · Minneapolis, MN
MSME (Plan A thesis or Plan C coursework)
A 30-credit MSME with one of the largest ME research benches in the Upper Midwest.
Plan A (20 course + 10 thesis credits) or Plan C (30 course credits at 5xxx/8xxx level). Fall-only admission. Strong research in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and bioengineering.
Visit program pageTuition: $18,800/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
74
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 85% 8 - 31
University of Florida · Gainesville, FL
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Gator MAE with an online twin that mirrors the on-campus MSE.
Thesis (24 graded + 6 thesis) or non-thesis (30 graded), with online format available through UF EDGE. MAE department serves over 400 graduate students.
Visit program pageTuition: $12,700/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
71
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 85% 6 - 32
University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder, CO
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Professional or Thesis)
The Paul M. Rady ME master's at the doorstep of Boulder's aerospace corridor.
Paul M. Rady ME offers a project-based Professional MS (30 graduate credits, 18 must be ME) and a thesis MS. Boulder aerospace pipeline into Ball, Lockheed, and Sierra Space.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,100/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
69
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 33
University of Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, PA
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Research or Professional Track)
Swanson School MS with a clear research-versus-industry track split.
Two MS tracks: Research (24 course + thesis) for PhD-bound students, and Professional for full-time industry-bound students.
Visit program pageTuition: $28,400/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
67
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 65% 6 - 34
Northeastern University · Boston, MA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A Boston MSME with four concentrations and the Northeastern co-op pipeline.
32-credit MSME with concentrations in Materials Science, Mechanics & Design, Mechatronics, and Thermofluids. Northeastern's signature co-op model carries into the master's level.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1810
Length: 16 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 75% 6 - 35
Boston University · Boston, MA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
BU's MS with an optional Engineering Practice designation tied to an internship.
32-unit MS with thesis or non-thesis options, all at the 500 level or above. Optional "with Engineering Practice" designation tied to an approved internship.
Visit program pageTuition: $66,000/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
65
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 45% 6 - 36
UC San Diego · La Jolla, CA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
UCSD's MAE master's with a comprehensive-exam coursework path that finishes in three quarters.
Engineering Sciences MS with a Mechanical Engineering specialization, Plan I (thesis) or Plan II (comprehensive exam coursework). Max 7 quarters to complete.
Visit program pageTuition: $13,800/yr
Length: 9 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
69
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 37
UC Davis · Davis, CA
MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
UC Davis MAE with thesis or capstone tracks and a clear NorCal industry funnel.
Plan I (24 graded units + thesis) or Plan II (36 graded units + capstone report). Research in manufacturing, biomechanics, aerostructures, mechatronics, combustion, and energy.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,100/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
69
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 38
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy, NY
MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering
RPI's research MS in a combined mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear bench.
Research MS with thesis under faculty advisor and a public defense. MANE houses programs across mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering with strength in advanced materials and propulsion.
Visit program pageTuition: $62,400/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
65
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 45% 6 - 39
Lehigh University · Bethlehem, PA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Lehigh's three-option MS with a strong online sibling for working engineers.
30-credit MS with thesis, project, or Applied & Interdisciplinary Engineering option. Online MS available through Lehigh's Office of Distance Education.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1925
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 75% 6 - 40
University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN
MSME in Mechanical Engineering
Notre Dame AME's research-oriented MSME in a department that punches above its size.
Traditional research-oriented MSME within the AME department, with 150+ graduate students. Research areas include flow physics, plasma and high-temperature physics, laser/optical engineering, manufacturing, nuclear, and systems engineering.
Visit program pageTuition: $60,300/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
65
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 45% 6 - 41
Iowa State University · Ames, IA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A thesis-first MS with deep energy-systems and biomechanics research.
Research MS with thesis, minimum 30 graduate credits. Research strengths in robotics, advanced materials, renewable energy, fluid mechanics, and biomechanics.
Visit program pageTuition: $11,200/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
69
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 42
Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A 30-credit MSU MS with an online sibling targeting working engineers.
Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (coursework + optional project), 30 credits. Online MS available through MSU Engineering Online.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1200
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 75% 6 - 43
Stony Brook University · Stony Brook, NY
MS in Mechanical Engineering
SUNY Stony Brook's MSME with three concentrations and an MS/MBA path.
30-credit MS with thesis or non-thesis options. BE/MS accelerated path available for SBU undergrads. Joint MS/MBA dual degree option.
Visit program pageTuition: $11,300/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
69
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 44
Rutgers University · Piscataway, NJ
MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
A research MS in NJ with an online MEng twin for working pros.
Research MS: 24 course + 6 research credits + thesis defense. Separate 30-credit MEng available online through Rutgers Engineering Online for additive manufacturing and drone-design coursework.
Visit program pageTuition: $18,600/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
71
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 85% 6 - 45
Drexel University · Philadelphia, PA
MS in Mechanical Engineering
The 45-credit MSME with an optional graduate co-op - Drexel's signature.
45-credit MSME with optional 3- or 6-month graduate co-op - Drexel's signature feature. Specializations in manufacturing, mechanics & materials, robotics, and thermal/fluid sciences.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1468
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
68
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 75% 6 - 46
Stevens Institute of Technology · Hoboken, NJ
MS in Mechanical Engineering
The country's first ME school - now with a one-year fast-track MS path.
Choose between research MS or course-based MEng. Fast-track summer courses let students finish in one year. Dual MS-MBA option through the Stevens School of Business.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1847
Length: 12 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 75% 6 - 47
NYU Tandon School of Engineering · Brooklyn, NY
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A Tandon MS with an Energy Engineering & Policy specialization that hits NYC hard.
30-credit MS with specializations including Mechanics & Structural Systems and Energy Engineering & Policy. Up to 9 credits transferable.
Visit program pagePer credit: $1996
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
68
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 75% 6 - 48
University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Research or Accelerated)
UW Madison ME with a 12-month accelerated coursework MS and a research MS sibling.
Research MS (two years, thesis) or Accelerated MS (12-month coursework-only with six focus areas). Strength in engine combustion (ERC), polymer processing, and biomechanics.
Visit program pageTuition: $12,200/yr
Length: 12 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
69
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 49
Texas Tech University · Lubbock, TX
MS in Mechanical Engineering
A flexible MS with an online twin, in the country's wind-energy research belt.
Thesis (30 credits: 24 course + 6 thesis), report option, or coursework-only. Online MS option also offered. Research in wind energy, robotics, additive manufacturing.
Visit program pageTuition: $7,500/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: hybrid
Overall
73
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 810% 105% 6 - 50
University of Utah · Salt Lake City, UT
MS in Mechanical Engineering (Thesis or Non-Thesis)
Utah ME with MST/MSNT/MS-MBA tracks and a five-year BS/MS accelerator.
MST (thesis, research-oriented, two years of research) or MSNT (coursework with focus area). Combined BS/MS finishes both degrees in five years. MS/MBA dual degree available.
Visit program pageTuition: $9,800/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
71
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 8.525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6
What jobs a mechanical engineering master's qualifies you for
MSME and MEng graduates pursue senior and specialized engineering roles under BLS SOC 17-2141 (Mechanical Engineers, median $102,320) and adjacent engineering codes. Common landing roles include:
- Senior design engineer. Lead component or subsystem design at OEMs and aerospace primes. MS graduates accelerate to senior-level pay 2 to 4 years faster than BS-only peers.
- R&D engineer. Corporate research labs (GE Research, Honeywell Aerospace, Bell Labs, semiconductor R&D centers) hire heavily from top-25 MSME programs.
- Robotics / controls engineer. Self-driving, humanoid robotics, surgical robotics, and industrial automation roles favor MSME or MEng graduates with controls specializations.
- Engineering manager. Many large OEMs and primes have formal MS-level degree gates for engineering-management track positions.
See the full mechanical engineer career profile for the complete pay progression and named employers at each level.
Mechanical engineering master's salary outlook (BLS wage data)
BLS does not break out master's-only wages - both BSME and MSME graduates fall under SOC 17-2141. Per the May 2024 OEWS release:
| Percentile | Annual wage | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $68,740 | Entry-level floor |
| 50th (median) | $102,320 | 5-10 years experience |
| 90th | $161,240 | Senior / specialized |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Mechanical Engineers
ASME and IEEE compensation surveys show MSME graduates from top-25 programs commanding 10% to 25% higher starting salaries than BS-only peers, with the premium widest in robotics, controls, and R&D roles at aerospace and semiconductor employers.
Best industry certifications to pair with a mechanical engineering master's
The MSME credential's career impact compounds when paired with industry-recognized certifications:
- PE exam (Professional Engineer). Useful for the consulting-engineering and senior-design track at consulting firms and public-sector roles. Most MSME graduates already hold an ABET-EAC BSME, which keeps the PE pathway open.
- FE exam. If you skipped it as an undergrad, take it before pursuing PE.
- Six Sigma Black Belt. Strong fit for senior manufacturing and operations roles at automotive and semiconductor OEMs.
- PMP (Project Management Professional). Pairs cleanly with the engineering-management track that many MSME graduates pursue.
How to evaluate a mechanical engineering master's program
Beyond the ranked list above, use these criteria when comparing specific MSME or MEng programs side-by-side:
- Faculty research output and NSF expenditures. The NSF HERD survey publishes annual research expenditures by department. Higher expenditures correlate with better RA funding access and stronger employer recruiting.
- Specialization fit. Confirm the program has named faculty in your target specialization (robotics, controls, thermofluids, advanced manufacturing). Generalist MSMEs without a clear specialization underperform on placement.
- Delivery format vs your life situation. Working engineers should weigh online MSMEs (Georgia Tech OMS-ME, Penn State World Campus, USC Viterbi DEN) heavily - same diploma, fraction of the cost, can stay employed.
- On-campus recruiting access. Top-25 MSME programs have first-look at named employers (Boeing, Lockheed, GE, semiconductor primes). For non-thesis tracks, on-campus recruiting is the primary placement channel.
- Funded vs unfunded admission. Funded thesis-track admission (RA + TA + tuition waiver) is the strongest signal of program fit. Self-pay MSME is fine but requires harder cost-justification math.
Mechanical engineering master's program cost & funding sources
MSME tuition spans an order of magnitude. Online MSMEs are the cheapest at $10K to $25K total (Georgia Tech OMS-ME is roughly $10K total at $310/credit). Public university MSMEs run $20K to $40K in-state and $40K to $80K out-of-state. Top private programs (MIT, Stanford, Caltech) run $60K to $90K/yr. The lowest in-state tuition in this list is $7,500/yr.
The most common funding sources for MSME candidates:
- Research assistantship (RA). Tuition waiver + $25K to $45K/yr stipend in exchange for working on a faculty member's funded research. Standard at PhD-prep MSMEs, less common at professional MEngs.
- Teaching assistantship (TA). Tuition waiver + smaller stipend in exchange for grading and recitation work. Often combined with RA.
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP). $37K/yr stipend + $16K/yr cost-of-education allowance for 3 years. Highly competitive; apply during senior year of undergrad or first year of MS.
- Employer tuition reimbursement. Most large engineering employers cover $5K to $10K/yr toward an online MSME for working engineers.
- GI Bill (Post-9/11 Chapter 33). Covers tuition + housing stipend for eligible veterans at most public MSME programs.
Common pitfalls when picking a mechanical engineering master's program
- Pursuing MSME without a clear specialization or career target. The MSME ROI is concentrated in specific roles (robotics, controls, R&D, senior design). For general industry practice the BSME + experience often produces equivalent pay.
- Self-paying full freight at a private program. A $90K/yr MIT or Stanford MSME without a funded position can take a decade to break even on the salary premium. Run the math first.
- Dismissing online MSMEs because of stigma. Top online programs (Georgia Tech OMS-ME, Penn State, USC Viterbi DEN) have no transcript notation distinguishing them from on-campus. Hiring managers know this.
- Picking a generalist MSME at a school without a defining specialization. A focused MSME at a regional school in your specialty area often outperforms a generalist MSME at a higher-ranked program with no faculty fit.
- Skipping the PE / FE pathway. Even if you do not need PE immediately, taking FE during BSME senior year (or early in MSME) preserves the option cheaply.
How we ranked these mechanical engineering master's programs
Each mechanical engineering master's program is scored 0-100 across seven weighted factors: Accreditation (25%), Reputation (25%), Research (15%), Pathways (10%), Delivery (10%), Cost (10%), Placement (5%). Scoring is deterministic from the data we maintain in our program directory.
Programs from R1 research universities with strong industry-funded labs (Stanford, MIT, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Berkeley) score highest, but flexible online MSME programs from top-30 programs (Georgia Tech OMS-ME, Penn State World Campus, USC Viterbi DEN) also score well when the working-professional fit is right. Full methodology details and per-factor scoring logic.
Mechanical engineering master's programs: frequently asked questions
Should I get a master's in mechanical engineering?
What's the difference between an MSME and an MEng?
Can you get a mechanical engineering master's online?
How much does a mechanical engineering master's cost?
Will a mechanical engineering master's increase my salary?
Does a mechanical engineering master's need ABET accreditation?
Sources & methodology for our mechanical engineering master's rankings
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141). May 2024 OEWS release.
- NSF HERD Survey. University research expenditures.
- ABET Accredited Programs Directory. EAC and ETAC accreditation status.
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Funding for graduate students.
- Our 7-factor ranking methodology. Per-factor scoring logic and weights.
Program details verified as of 2026-05-22. BLS wage data is from May 2024 OEWS release. Tuition figures from IPEDS College Navigator and institutional graduate-tuition pages.